3/9/15 9:48 AM

It’s a mess out there ladies and gentlemen. This winter has left feet of snow in its wake, and spring promises to bring a fair share of rain. One false step can (and likely will) sentence you to an uncomfortable sloshy stride for the rest of the day.

When you find yourself ankle deep in rain, sleet, or snow there are a few tricks you should know that can save your shoes.

Take them off!

Standing around in water logged loafers isn’t doing your feet or your shoes any favors.

Save them from salt

Sidewalks and streets are covered with salt in the winter. While this is great for melting ice, it’s terrible for your shoes. Simply wipe them down with equal parts water and white vinegar then rinse to stop salt from destroying them.

Fill em’ with the funnies

Stuffing your shoes with newspaper helps to absorb any extra moisture while maintaining their shape.

Freshen up

Once your shoes have dried, leave a dryer sheet in them overnight to dispel any residual mustiness.

2/23/15 9:51 AM

You might think of your frying pan as dedicated to cooking up bacon and burgers. If so, you’ve been severely underutilizing on of the most versatile tools in your kitchen.

One skillet is all you need to make a delicious and healthy meal from start to finish. And better yet, cooking everything in one pan allows all of the flavors to mingle while simultaneously minimizing kitchen clutter and cleanup.

Today we’re featuring one quick and healthy recipe, but the formula for dreaming up your own one-skillet meal is easy. Protein into pan, protein out of pan, veggies in, then protein back in, along with any sauce, broth, wine, or flavor enhancers. Simmer ten minutes then enjoy your meal.

Preparation

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until beginning to brown, about 2 minutes. Remove to a plate with a slotted spoon.

Add chicken to the pan and cook until browned on one side, about 4 minutes. Turn it over and return the garlic to the pan. Add wine and cook for 1 minute.

Whisk broth, mustard, flour and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Add the mixture to the pan; bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a lively simmer. Cover and cook until the chicken is cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve sprinkled with chives (or scallion greens).

2/8/15 10:19 PM

From paper clips to lip balm, it’s amazing how everyday items can be repurposed to save you from fashion and grooming snafus. Keep these five tricks in your back pocket and you’ll be able to MacGyver your way out of some tricky everyday problems.

The Situation – You’re down to your last razor cartridge and shaving has become a small torture.

Solution – Run your razor over a pair of jeans in the opposite direction you shave. A few strokes will give the blades a quick sharpening that lets you finish your shave in comfort.

The Situation – The sweater you planned on wearing tonight is completely pilled

Solution – Run that freshly sharpened razor over the sweater. The pills will come right off and you can lint roll them into oblivion.

The Situation – You make a quick stop in the restroom before your big meeting and manage to jam your zipper.

Solution – Rub some lip balm or a graphite pencil over the teeth above and below the jam. Either will work as a makeshift lubricant and get you back on track.

The Situation – You packed the one shirt with incredibly long sleeves for your business trip and are feeling like a T-Rex.

Solution – Gather the extra fabric near your bicep and use a rubber band as a makeshift shirt garter to hold it in place. Put on your jacket and no one will be the wiser.

The Situation – You’ve lost your collar stays in the wash for the hundredth time.

Solution – A paper clip or trimmed coffee stirrer make excellent stand-ins when you’re on the run.

2/1/15 10:07 PM

Super Bowl Sunday has come and gone and “I Can’t Believe How Much I Ate” Monday is here. If you’re feeling bloated and groggy today, we have a quick solution to get you back on your feet.

Try throwing together this quick smoothie for a post-game pick me up. The vitamin C from the lemons and antioxidants from the blueberries will help flush those game-day toxins from your system while the fiber from the banana cleanses your digestive tract and ginger soothes any queasiness.

Just place these ingredients into a blender for about a minute. If you are using fresh fruit instead of frozen you’ll want to add a few ice cubes.

1/25/15 5:57 PM

The Northeastern U.S. is set to receive up to two feet of snow over the next few days. This could mean early morning shoveling and slushy commutes to work, but if you’re lucky, it could also bring back the ultimate childhood delight…A SNOW DAY!

We like to be optimists here at Walk On Socks, so we’re going to assume you get the latter and are set free from the daily grind of your workplace to do as you please.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of a snow day since childhood, you may be wondering what to do. Will your neighbors judge you for picking a snowball fight with little Timmy next door? (HINT: they absolutely would…plus Timmy really wouldn’t stand a chance).

If you find yourself pacing the house in your PJ’s, we have five great activities for an adult snow day that will have you crossing your fingers for another 12 inches tomorrow.

Eat

It the first flakes started falling on grocery day, you may be stuck with a motley crew of leftovers. Luckily, those are the perfect ingredients for a frittata! As long as you have a few eggs, any combination of meat, cheese and vegies is fair game.

Drink

Hot cocoa is the obvious go-to, but you may be in the mood for something a bit more adult. Try playing bartender for the day and mix up a few hot cocktails.

Be Merry

A snow day can also make a perfect game day with family or friends. If the classics aren’t your speed, try mixing thing up with a newcomer like the always hilarious Cards Against Humanity.

No one around to play a game with? No problem! Use the alone time to binge watch a new show. Maybe catch up on The Walking Dead before it returns next month.

And finally, if you’re of the mindset that TV rots your brain, maybe kick back (in your Walk On Socks of course!) with a good book. We suggest A Short History of the World – it’s a great refresher on everything you forgot from highschool, covering the big bang to today in under 300 pages.